Manila Bulletin – Bongbong eyes approval of SK reform bill

Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is hopeful the Senate and House of Representatives could agree to a compromise to ensure the passage of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform bill before the scheduled SK elections on February.

Marcos, chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, said their counterparts in the Lower House are keen on abolishing the SK instead of reforming the youth council.

Marcos, Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and Paolo Benigno Aquino IV are among the co-authors of Senate Bill No. 2401 which calls for reforms and strengthen participation of the youth in the SK.

Senate President Franklin Drilon earlier admitted the Senate is in a quandary as to how both houses of Congress can agree on the bill as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already scheduled the SK elections on February 21, 2015.

Congress had earlier approved the bill deferring the 2013 SK elections. The Comelec wants the postponement extended until October 2016.

Drilon warned the SK elections will push through on February if Congress fails to pass the reform bill by January.

The Upper Chamber, he said, will immediately take up the matter, when they resume sessions on Jan. 20.

“Gusto kasi sa House i-abolish ang SK. Tama si Senate President at naghahanap kami ng compromise para ma-seguro na mayroong SK reform law, (Those at the Lower House wants to abolish the SK. The Senate President is correct, we are looking at a compromise to ensure the passage of the SK reform law,” Marcos said in a text message.